Journal of Solar Energy Research

Multi-Physics Design and NSGA-II Optimization of a Triple-Functional Solar Module

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, India.

2 Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mohan Babu University (Erstwhile Sree Vidyanikethan Engineering College), Tirupati, India.

3 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mother Theresa Institute of Science and Technology, Palamaner, India.

4 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, S.A. Engineering college, Chennai, India.

5 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, P.T. Lee. Chengalvaraya naicker college of engineering and Technology, Kanchipuram, India.

Abstract

This work develops a theoretical multi-physics framework for designing and optimizing a triple-functional solar module that combines passive radiative cooling, photocatalytic air purification, and photovoltaic power generation. The module integrates three key components: a spectrally selective infrared-emissive Meta surface, a TiO₂/ZnO photocatalytic coating described by Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetics, and a temperature-dependent single-diode PV model. These are coupled into a time-resolved simulation pipeline with adaptive meshing guided by Biot and Damköhler numbers, ensuring both accuracy and efficiency. Optimization is performed using the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II), varying emissivity, catalyst thickness, PV bandgap, and convective coefficients to identify the best trade-offs between electrical efficiency e, cooling energy (Ecool) and pollutant removal rate Rp. Under Chandragiri climatic conditions, the module achieved Tmax = 18.4 °C, Rp, max = 0.96 mol·m⁻²·h⁻¹, and e = 21.3%, outperforming existing systems. Seasonal analysis confirmed functional adaptability, while a weighted Figure of Merit (FOM) unified performance assessment. The results provide practical design guidance and establish a foundation for experimental validation and future lifecycle studies.

Keywords

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Journal of Solar Energy Research
Volume 10, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 2234-2252